July spts newsletter

Page 1

NEXT CONFERENCE WRAP-UP By Carol Ferkovic APTA’s NEXT Conference & Exposition allowed physical therapists and PTAs forward-thinkers to exchange ideas and present “What’s Next” in the profession. This year’s event took place June 3-6 in National Harbor, Maryland. The conference opened in impressive fashion with a keynote address delivered by tennis legend Billie Jean King. King praised PTs, saying “You’re very special people. I hope you know it.” She spoke about her priority of adding a PT to the WTA in its early days and also of the influence physical therapists have had in her own life. “You guys not only take care of us

The legendary Billie Jean King.

NEXT Opening Ceremony. physically, but emotionally,” said King. “There’s a kindness. It’s a calling.” King spoke of many topics, including her family, her experiences as a youth tennis player, the famous “Battle of the Sexes,” and her role as a social activist. She stated, “I just want everyone to live their own life and be their authentic self.” On her life experiences, King stated, “Yeah, I’ve done some great cool things! And I’ve got a lot to go.” She then closed the night by serving autographed tennis balls to the crowd while dancing to Elton John’s Philadelphia Freedom, which was written about King and her tennis team, the Philadelphia Freedoms.

SPTS member, Lynn Snyder-Mackler, PT, DsC, SCS, ATC, FAPTA, delivered the 46th McMillan Lecture on June 5th. Her inspiring address urged young clinicians to pursue formal research training and careers as “clinician-scientists,” or clinicians who spend the bulk of their time engaged in research. Snyder-Mackler then challenged mentors to model the rewards and realities of a career as a clinician scientist. She also called on the profession to provide rigorous but supportive environments for production of quality research and scholarship.

An autographed ball.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.